ABDOMINAL PAIN( WOMEN) 123
Do you have either of the following?
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Fever
Neither of the above
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have pelvic inflammatory disease, in which there is an infection in the reproductive organs.
• Your partner may also need to have tests for infection.
Is the pain related to your menstrual cycle?
Do you have an intrauterine contraceptive device( IUD)?
IUD
No IUD
Have you passed menopause?
Premenopausal
Postmenopausal
Occurs just before and / or during a period
Occurs briefly in midcycle
Unrelated
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Some women regularly have pain associated with their ovulation. However, other possible causes do need to be ruled out.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR This particular form of contraception can cause increased menstrual pain, particularly for the first few cycles after insertion.
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW There is a possibility of an ectopic pregnancy.
• Rest in bed until you receive medical advice.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your lower abdominal pain from this chart.
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Menstrual pain, p. 156